Gardner boy, 8, dies in accident at school

GARDNER — Gardner police are investigating the accidental death of an 8-year-old child at an after-school program at Elm Street Elementary School.

Timothy Connolly, a spokesman for Worcester District Attorney Joseph D. Early Jr. said Colby O'Brien, 8, of Gardner died Thursday when a large television and cart fell on him shortly after 4 p.m. He was taken by ambulance to Henry Heywood Hospital, where he was pronounced dead. State police detectives assigned to the Worcester district attorney's office are investigating

After learning of the tragedy, Superintendent of Schools Carol Daring sent a message to parents of students attending the school telling them there had been a fatal accident involving a student. Her message did not identify the student.

During their investigation, police taped off the entire front of the school, which is at 160 Elm St. Mayor Mark P. Hawke referred all questions to the district attorney's office but did say there would be grief counselors in all Gardner schools Friday.

Ms. Daring said Elm Street School would be open Friday and School Department counselors and counselors from Riverside Trauma of Needham would assist students who needed support dealing with the tragedy.

School Committee members reached referred all questions to the district attorney's office.

Gardner Deputy Police Chief John Bernard said only that police were investigating a tragedy that occurred at the school and referred all questions to District Attorney Joseph D. Early Jr.'s office.

Elm Street Elementary School, which is the former Gardner High School, has 518 students in Grades 3 through 5. The Extended Day Program runs from 3 to 5:30 p.m.

"Supervised activities, games, crafts, indoor and outdoor play are offered each day, weather permitting. All students are also provided the opportunity to do their homework," according to the school district's website.

Contact George Barnes at george.barnes@telegram.com. Follow him on Twitter @georgebarnesTG

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